Times are tough for a lot of people. If you are wondering how to make extra income and don’t know where to begin, here are a few ways to get started.

Almost everyone knows a few ways to supplement her income, but far too often those don’t pan out because of the investment of time, energy, and startup costs. Have you tried any of these?

• Getting a second job
• Working overtime
• Starting a business

If you have, and your plan fizzled, don’t fret. You may be better off: According to Occupational and Environmental Medicine, overtime work increases the risk of injury and stress-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. It can also lead to sleeplessness and impaired performance. You don’t have to suffer those consequences any more.

1. Sell Something Special.

Selling something that someone will value is a quick way to make extra income. The old adage is true: one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Gather your gently used valuables that you can live without, price them, and sell them. Here are a few methods:

• Have a garage sale.
• Sell at a community fair.
• Take them to a consignment shop.
• Sell children’s clothes online on websites like Little Sprouts.
  
• Place ads online on classified-ad websites or in your local newspaper.
• Sell on Internet auction sites like eBay.

2. Create Something Special

If you are crafty, handy, or innovative, use your talent. You can net a profit from your passion. Ask yourself, “What can I invent or create to make money?” Are you a good cook? Do people love your cookies? Look for opportunities to sell them in your community, but first check your state’s regulations for selling food.

Can you sew, knit, or make jewelry? You can sell your crafts on sites like Etsy. Stop wondering how to make extra income—the answer may be staring you in the face.

3. Teach Something Special

What are you good at? Are you an expert or skilled at something worthwhile? If so, teach somebody. You can earn premium pay if you are skilled in a high-demand discipline.

Are you a fitness buff? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal trainers have a median salary of over $15 per hour. You’ll need certain certifications and will typically be hired by a gym and build your own client base.

Do you speak another language? Do you play an instrument? Can you dance or sing? You can teach lessons in all of these areas. Investigate online and offline opportunities to share your skills. You may teach at an existing school or education center or break out on your own. Check with your state or town to see if you’ll need specific certifications or licenses. Get your friends involved. Ask them if they know someone that needs to learn what you know. A lot of people can benefit from your expertise; your job is to let them know that you are willing to teach.

If you are still wondering how to make extra income, take heart: any method that provides value to others will give you opportunities. The traditional methods can work too, but beware: if you don’t love it, it will be hard to sustain. Even when you sell, create, or teach something special, you’ll have to work to promote yourself and your products. All of these methods require planning, effort, and work, but treat it as a labor of love and get paid doing something you enjoy.

Image source: Flickr

This article was syndicated and originally appeared on the CESI Debt Solutions website.